[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING RAMSAY HIGH SCHOOL IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA ON ITS FIRST 
                      STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 
Ramsay High School Rams 2016 Football Team for winning the Alabama High 
School Athletic Association's Class 6A state football championship on 
Friday, December 2, 2016.
   The Rams defeated the Opelika Bulldogs 21-16, which gave Ramsay its 
first state football championship ever and the first for a Birmingham 
City School since another area high school won back to back state 
titles in 1972 and 1973.
   Mr. Speaker, what makes this victory even more special is that 
Ramsay discontinued its football program after the 1976 season, and 
didn't resume the sport for 36 years until hiring its current coach, 
Rueben Nelson Jr., in the Spring of 2011.
   The Rams officially returned to the field in 2012, suffering through 
a one-win season and two wins the following season. The program is 
without football lockers, a football stadium, and many of the amenities 
that often lead to success. Yet, the players and coaches have 
persevered, and have now reached the pinnacle of success.
   Speaking to their accomplishment following the game, Coach Nelson 
stated, ``God allowed me to put my hands in His hands and He would lead 
the way. It's not like I'm the head coach. He's the head coach and I'm 
just the servant. He allows me to work with kids.''
   The Rams were 13-2 this season, and were led by their left-handed, 
Senior quarterback Baniko Harley, who rushed for 158 yards on 21 
carries and completed 8 of 18 passes for 132 yards and two scores in 
the winning effort.
   I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding 
players and Coach Nelson. We are very proud of the team, and I am 
confident these young men have bright futures ahead for them, and will 
look back proudly on their achievement.
   I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of this team's 
outstanding achievement. May their efforts continue to yield great 
success in the years ahead.

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